Legislation aimed at bringing clarity to an administrative substantiated finding of child abuse or neglect in Kentucky schools is moving through the General Assembly. The measure sets out to bring uniformity to the state definition of substantiated with that used in public education.
Bill Sponsor Julie Raque Adams said it’s intended to help school employees better understand issues related to the state’s abuse and neglect registry. “We’re just making it very clear what your process is that you go through to make sure that you are either rightfully put on that list with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or if you’ve been erroneously placed on that list,” said Raque Adams.
Grayson Senator Robin Webb noted the measure does clarify the criteria for an administrative substantiated finding of abuse or neglect. But, she added sometimes citizens aren’t aware of the appeals process and that the prohibition could apply to employment in schools. “There’s an appeal process in place, but many times when someone has a substantiated finding against them, they don’t have the economic where with all or don’t understand the ramifications of what that truly means,” explained Webb.
Raque Adams said previous legislation regarding the state’s registry of offenders pertains to people working with students in the home, within the school system, and summer camps.?
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